Hockey Personalities Congratulate FIH

The journey of the FIH over the past century is a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and the unifying power of field hockey. It has been an incredible experience to witness and be a part of this journey. The dedication, passion, and commitment of everyone involved have propelled field hockey to new heights, fostering a global community that continues to inspire future generations. Here's to celebrating 100 years of remarkable achievements and looking forward to many more milestones ahead.

Ahmad Shahbaz

Pakistan
Hockey for me was a place where I could express myself freely. I always felt happiness on the field. I felt that it was my place in the world and that through hockey I could express my emotions and be really me. My dream was to wear the Argentine jersey and play in big tournaments. I never imagined achieving so much and today, being retired after a few years, I realize and value much more everything I did to follow my passion and never give up.

Luciana Aymar

Argentina
Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! Wishing all the athletes from around the world the best of luck as they strive to make their countries proud. In the future, I would love to see hockey being played with the same artistry and skill not only in India and Pakistan but all over the world.

Dr. Dhanraj Pillay

India
FIH has been a respected Federation during its existence of 100 years, which is quite an achievement in itself! I sincerely hope that we stay as an Olympic sport, that the wellbeing of our athletes will always be the centre of attention and that we all are proud to have been part of this Federation during a number of years. Good luck in the future.

Els van Breda Vriesman

The Netherlands – FIH President 2001-2008
I have a very special memory linked to FIH: many years ago, I was asked by FIH to go to Pakistan and present a coaching course to a full class of women. I thought it was such a fantastic initiative. I would love to see coaching courses for women. A course where women coaches, past and present women players can come together and share ideas on coaching women. Thank you FIH for all you do for hockey worldwide.

Alyson Annan

Australia
As we celebrate this centenary, we must also look toward the future. Inclusion, innovation, and sustainability will be crucial for the continued growth of hockey. We must keep inspiring young players and leaders, ensuring that hockey remains a pillar in the global sports landscape.

Antonio von Ondarza

Honorary Member of FIH and PAHF
My fondest hockey moment was winning the 2004 Olympic Gold medal in Athens and the best event I participated in was the 2014 Hockey World Cup in Den Haag. The atmosphere and the set up was amazing, and winning the World Cup was extra special. A big congrats to the FIH for its Centennial. Keep promoting and exposing our wonderful game around the world!

Jamie Dwyer

Australia
FIH has done an extraordinary work for the good of our sport during these 100 years, achieving the expansion of hockey throughout the five continents. Hockey has been a creator of human and sporting values, which have greatly contributed to coexistence in the world we live in today. I wish our beloved International Hockey Federation a very long life for the good of our sport.

Juan Ángel Calzado

Spain – FIH President 1996-2001
The FIH members were my teachers, the FIH was my school. I firmly believe that this whole great family and its history led me to love this sport of hockey intensely and passionately and pushed me to dedicate a very important and significant part of my life to hockey. I tried to follow these teachings throughout the time I had responsibilities within hockey. I have consistently aimed to achieve goals based on what I have learned within the FIH family.

Leandro Negre

Spain – FIH President 2008-2016
The most remarkable change I’ve seen is the merging of men’s and women’s hockey into a more unified sport. Back in the 1990s, men umpired men, women umpired women, and there was little crossover in coaching or staff roles. Hockey is in a great place today. Cheers to 100 years of making history. You’ve touched countless lives and created memories that will last for generations. Congratulations—we know our sport is in good hands.

Marelize de Klerk

South Africa
Hockey has offered me soooo many amazing memories. Many of my friendships are built on the base of hockey events of some sorts, and I am forever grateful for that. Without the FIH, a lot of our greatest hockey moments would not be possible. Congratulations and thank you for being the organisation that allows many dreams to come true!

Marsha Cox

South Africa
My fondest hockey memory is when I umpired my first Olympic final in Los Angeles in 1984. I also remember very well the Men’s World Cup held in Lahore in 1990, where the Netherlands defeated the host team in a stadium of 60’000 spectators! My wish for the future is that hockey grows and gains more and more universality. Congratulations to the FIH for their Centennial, and to all those who’ve contributed to grow hockey since 1924!

Santi Deo

Spain
The winning of trophies is special but the lifelong friendships that you build amongst the hockey family is what sets our sport as one of the greatest games ever invited. As FIH celebrate their centenary, it should recognise the place that it has played in the lives of many. It has inspired generations after generations to challenge themselves to be the best they can be. I look forward to seeing our sport continue to develop and challenge for the next 100 years.

Shane McLeod

New Zealand